Job Information SOUTH GATE POLICE DEPARTMENT 8620 CALIFORNIA AVENUE SOUTH GATE, CALIFORNIA 90280 323-563-5476 http://cityofsouthgate.org/233/Police Updated: February 19, 2026 Job Classification: Police Officer - Lateral The South Gate Police Department is currently hiring for the position of Police Officer Lateral. Candidates must submit a completed department application and FrontLine National exam. This position will remain open until filled. About the Position: This is your opportunity to enter the interesting and demanding profession of Law Enforcement with the South Gate Police Department. The City of South Gate offers the best in training, salary, and benefits to active, intelligent, and dedicated men and women. The South Gate Police Department offers diversified assignments including patrol, traffic enforcement, a criminal investigation, narcotics, public relations, crime prevention, K-9 detail, and administrative services. Under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant or higher ranking position, the police officers enforce laws and ordinances, prevent crime, protect life and property, maintain order, and perform related work as required. Police officers must be able to testify as a credible witness. Police officers may be required to work varied shifts, weekends, and holidays. Contact Information: Evelyn Garcia Lieutenant (323)563-9508 sbrown@sogate.org City/County/Area Information: South Gate / Los Angeles County / Located in Southeast Los Angeles Population: Approximately 94,400 Job Requirements Age: 21 Citizenship Required: Yes or be in the process to become a citizen. High School Grad / GED: High School Grad or GED Driver's License: Valid California Driver's License Ability to Read/Speak English: Yes Prior Experience: Applicants must currently be employed by a California Law Enforcement Agency, be off probation and be in possession of a Basic P.O.S.T Examples of Essential Functions: • The following functions are typical for this classification. The incumbent may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. • Patrols assigned areas by car, foot, or motorcycle; performs crime suppression and prevention activities; makes arrests, issues citations, and serves subpoenas and warrants; gives directions and answers special calls. • Conducts initial and follow-up investigations; interviews victims, complainants, and witnesses; answers complaints including domestic disturbances, and health code and local ordinance violations; performs surveillance activities, conducts chemical, drug, and alcohol testing; investigates suspicious circumstances. • Performs selective enforcement when assigned, responds to radio call messages or telephone instruction; appears at scenes of accidents, offenses, and damages to property. • Assists in booking and releasing prisoners; transports prisoners; appears in court on and off duty as the arresting officer; interrogates persons whose actions are suspicious; performs initial investigations of crime and violations reported. • Enforces traffic laws; conducts complete accident investigations; controls and directs traffic when necessary; and performs crowd control, special event, or riot duties. • Assists in crime prevention activities and the control of juvenile delinquency; counsels and educates the community; administers first aid in cases of emergency. • Attends special training classes and target practice. • Establishes positive working relations with representatives of community organizations and associations, City management and staff, and the public. Minimum and Desirable Qualifications: Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for a Police Officer. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Education, Training, and Experience Graduation from high school or equivalent. Applicants must currently be employed by a California Law Enforcement Agency, be off probation and be in possession of a Basic P.O.S.T. Certification issued by the State of California. Licenses/Certifications/Special Requirements Must possess a California Class C driver's license showing proof of insurance and a satisfactory driving record is required at time of appointment and throughout employment in this position. Must be a United States citizen, OR permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship. Citizenship must be obtained within three years of appointment. Physical Standards Height and weight correlations must be in proper proportion according to current medical standards. Normal color vision. Visual acuity of 20/70 in each eye correctable to 20/30 in each eye. Ability to pass a physical endurance and agility examination. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of: the organization, operation, rules, and regulations of the Police Department; principles and techniques of police administration including traffic control, crime prevention, crowd disturbances and delinquency; rules of evidence; laws, ordinances, and regulations affecting the work of the Department including custody of prisoners, and arrest and court procedures; criminal investigation and case preparation; technical and administrative phases of crime prevention and law enforcement including investigation and identification, patrol, traffic control and safety, record keeping, and care and custody of persons and property; community policing policies and philosophy; community relations; governmental structure/organization of the City of South Gate and interrelations of the Police Department; and principles and practices of personnel management, supervision, and leadership. Ability to: read and understand departmental policies, rules, instructions, laws, regulations, and police literature; analyze situations and adopt a quick, calm, effective, and reasonable course of action in situations involving emotional or physical pressures; write clear and accurate reports; remember names, faces, and details or incidents; establish and maintain effective relationships with others; interact tactfully, effectively, and sensitively with City Officials, Officials of other organizations, members of other agencies, community organizations, community leaders, the media, and especially the public; understand and be sensitive to the needs and concerns of ethnic and cultural groups in the City; and evaluate sensitive situations quickly and initiate appropriate action to diffuse situations and/or resolve problems. Other Important Information: California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of South Gate. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles. Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, and talk or hear, and may stand for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include normal color vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderately loud when outdoors. Incumbents are occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, traffic, dust, gas, fumes, and chemicals. Application Packets Must Include: A fully completed online employment application which: • Covers at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience). • If you claim education on your application, an unofficial copy of your transcripts, documenting all qualifying education and/or occupational training claimed, must be submitted as an attachment to your online application. If you are invited to interview for this position, at a later date, we will request that your original, official transcripts, be mailed directly to the City of South Gate Human Resources Office in an unopened envelope by the accredited college(s) or university(ies). • Must be specific in describing your qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Selection Process: All application materials received along with the submitted online application will be reviewed and evaluated. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification. The testing of Police Officer-Recruit will include the following: Oral Interview: 100% Physical Agility: Qualifying - The agility test is to evaluate the candidate's endurance, strength, agility, and speed. Background: Prospective employees are also subject to and must successfully pass a thorough and extensive background investigation, which will include a polygraph examination. Prospective employees will receive a complete medical examination, including a stress EKG, and drug/alcohol screen; and psychological evaluation, prior to appointment. Hiring Interview: Prospective employees will be interviewed by the Chief of Police and must successfully pass this interview to proceed in the process. • Candidates who successfully complete all phases of the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list. Current and future vacancies will be filled from this list. Lists typically last for 12 months, but may be extended or abolished in accordance with the City's Civil Service rules and regulations. • The City supports a Drug-Free Workplace. • New employees must complete a verification form designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, that certifies eligibility for employment in the United States of America. • Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any phase of the selection process must make such a request during the application process by notifying the Human Resources Office. The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice. Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of South Gate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, age, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, physical or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS), military or veteran status in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices. The City of South Gate is a busy urban community consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial development, spread over 7.41 square miles. It is currently ranked the 59th largest city in California with a population of approximately 100,000. Strategically located along the 710 freeway, the City is just 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The City is in a state of revitalization with many new development projects on the near horizon. As we look to the future we are heartened by the many opportunities for economic growth. We are looking for (a) dynamic individual(s) to join our employment team and work alongside our civic leaders, residents, and business owners committed to promoting and maintaining a safe and prosperous community in which to live and work.